Internet service in all the Gulf countries is abysmal. When I was in Kuwait, it took me hours, if I was lucky, to download a movie. Video/Voice chatting was horrible. Many times it was down for hours, and sometimes days. Most organizations have filters to monitor their employees, and on a larger scale, the countries. The few remaining dictators in the region and Gulf oligarchs, especially in Kuwait, with widespread and rampant corruption, thousands of disenfranchised bidoon, and in the direct line of fire of Iran, are an uneasy and nervous lot, who want even more control. Most people don't even last a few months there, let alone plan to stay for 10 years! Put your essential stuff on flash, and add to it as needed, when you are there. Travel light; travel smart; travel safe!

My wife and I have an apt in Abu Halifa. We have a phone line DSL connection. Our Internet cost are 100 KWD a month with wireless router that allows us access in the aprtment. Last year we ran a cable up to the 5th floor and shared the cost. We are a couple floors lower and the wifi was marginal to the 5th floor Our service provider is Gulf Net. You can go on-line and check their rates and speeds.
Not all apartment buildings have phone service in them.
Most electronic devices (laptops, external hard drives, etc.) have switching power supplies so that they will handle US/Canada 120 and foreign 240 VAC current. You can buy adapters here real cheap.
Oh! We have been here 4 years in Aug 2012 and are returning for year five our last year as we are both senior citizens now. You get a discount in Canada for that!!
Regards,
ColdCanuck

I'm here now. Internet is fine if you get the wireless package. You can download allsorts if you're pc savvy. Kuwait ain't gonna set your world on fire but it's ok. The weird EFL brigade remain weird wherever they are. Some EFL teachers whinge far too much. Kuwait is a place where you have to go and find stuff and spend a bit of dosh, something which some TEFLONs seem loathe to do.

I haven't worked for a language centre since 1997. Did a stint with a university but got into the oil gigs many moons ago as they pay better. AUK pays pretty well here. I've lived in Qatar and Saudi and I think Kuwait is a mix of the two. More open than Saudi but less Liberal than Qatar. The best paid gigs are on rotation out of Libya (except for BAe). You didn't offend me at all....I couldn't care less. I just thought what you said was factually incorrect. Plenty of people have MA's here and many people are quite content. I don't have one as I think it's a waste of dosh, time and effort. Did the reading and it bored me silly.

Despite what's written on this forum, I've found the Kuwaitis to be great. They are very friendly, polite and open minded. The place suits middle aged people.